Articles
Rainwater Harvesting
With Spring weather upon the district, customers are preparing to begin watering their landscapes. The district would like to take this time to promote rainwater harvesting as it can be a cost effective way to keep your yard looking green throughout the summer months.
Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique enjoying a revival in popularity due to the inherent quality of rainwater and interest in reducing consumption of treated water.
Rainwater is valued for its purity and softness. It has a nearly neutral pH, and is free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants. Plants thrive under irrigation with stored rainwater.
Advantages and benefits of rainwater harvesting are numerous (Krishna, 2003).
- The water is free; the only cost is for collection and use.
- Rainwater provides a water source when groundwater is unacceptable or unavailable, or it can augment limited groundwater supplies.
- Rainwater is superior for landscape irrigation.
- Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce the summer demand peak and delay expansion of existing water treatment plants.
- Rainwater harvesting reduces consumers' utility bills.
In Texas, rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged.
- Texas Tax Code 151.355 allows for a state sales tax exemption on rainwater harvesting equipment.
- Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting installations.
Want to Learn More?
TWDB Rainwater Harvesting Manual
5 Skills to Save Your Life in Water